Even when you are a young adult, there are certain privileges that you cannot have until you turn 21. One of the most well-known of these privileges is drinking alcohol.
You might be itching to go out and have fun with your buddies, but you are taking a risk if the fun involves alcohol and you are underage. You could wind up with fines, a driver’s license suspension and a misdemeanor on your record.
Underage drinking laws
If you are under 21 in Minnesota, it is illegal for you to drink alcohol unless you are at a parent’s home and have his or her permission. Even if authorities do not catch you in the act of drinking, they can charge you if you have alcohol in your body. Also, you can only buy alcohol if you are doing it for training, research or educational purposes. You must be with someone who is over 21 when you make the purchase.
Immunity from prosecution
Because of underage drinking laws, you might be nervous about calling for help if a friend gets sick from drinking too much. The good news is that you will be immune to underage drinking charges as long as you are the first to call 911, you stay on the scene and you are cooperative. Your sick friend and anyone who helps you with the report will also be immune.
Underage drinking might seem like something that is not a big deal, but it is important that you take it seriously. There are ways that you can have fun without risking legal trouble.